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Insomnia Causes

Having dealt with insomnia, I can tell you that there are a number of things that can cause it. You may never experience all of them, but knowing they exist may help you avoid dealing with it for very long.

Pets: There is science behind this, but I can give you some specifics. We have a very old cat who seems to think that I am the source of all that means warmth. He also is a bed hog. How a seven pound cat can take up so much of a California king size bed I do not know. I do know that when he is sleeping with us, one or both of us will not sleep well.

Pain: Been there, done that, too. Adequate pain control can be extremely important for a good night’s sleep. That means knowing in advance that it can/will occur. Take pain medications before you do something that’s going to be painful. It’s easier to stop pain before it starts than treat it after whatever is hurting is screaming bloody murder. Also, wear appropriate braces to prevent pain.

Too tired to sleep: It’s not a myth. It can happen. Sometimes it’s because the brain is in hyperactive mode and sometimes it’s because too many parts of your body are sending signals to the brain and it can’t relax. It’s a highly uncomfortable problem. Relaxation techniques could help here.

Illness: Trying to sleep with the flu is nearly impossible without medication to stop some of the symptoms. It’s also hard to sleep when the stomach is upset, there’s a headache involved and myriad other illnesses. Sometimes over the counter medications will help, but not always. This one may require medical help.

Anxiety: Are you worried about a test? Did a meeting go poorly at work? Thinking about the bills? Anxiety likes to attack once we’re in bed. We’re no longer coping with the problems of the day, so they come back to haunt us at night. There are two possible solutions for this.

If you can, sit up and write down the things that are causing the anxiety. This is giving the brain a “to do” list for the next day. I’ve found it helps because now I’ve done something…even if it isn’t the entire solution to the problem.

The second is meditation. As it’s at night you’ll want to have whatever you use memorized. Choose something that relaxes you and that covers all of your senses. With the 23rd Psalm as an example, feel the soft grass under your feet. Hear the sound of the quiet water gently lapping. See the Shepherd watching over you. Smell the food on the table He has spread for you. I’m usually asleep at about that point.

The doctor: Insomnia is bad for the body. If none of this works, talk to your doctor. You may need medication, counseling or both. Whatever you do, I hope you have sweet dreams.